F1 is back with the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. For fans, the next chance to see the cars in action won’t be until the Miami Grand Prix in early May, which should give everyone a chance to really enjoy the race.
As we gear up for the Japanese Grand Prix, there are several pressing questions about the teams and the sport itself as they head to the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course.
What’s next for Aston Martin?
Aston Martin has certainly faced challenges as the 2026 F1 season kicked off. From the start of preseason testing, they had complications with the AMR26. There were significant issues with vibrations from Honda’s power unit, resulting in parts falling off, battery failures, and even putting both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in risky situations regarding their health if they were to complete races. Although the team has made some strides in fixing these problems, they haven’t finished a grand prix yet, using the Australian and Chinese GPs more as test runs.
Recently, it was reported that they might bring in a new team principal to ease the pressure on technical director Adrian Newey, who had taken on that role last November. Speculation suggests Jonathan Wheatley, who recently left his position as Audi team principal, might be a candidate. He previously worked with Newey at Red Bull, creating intrigue about whether he would step in soon. Can they uncover the mystery of the AMR26 in time to make an impact this week or during the rest of the season?
Can McLaren get off the mat?
Last year saw McLaren clinch their second consecutive constructors’ championship, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri engaged in a fierce battle for the drivers’ title, which Norris ultimately won at the season finale.
Fast forward to this year, and Piastri hasn’t even participated in a Grand Prix yet, while Norris missed the Chinese Grand Prix. Piastri’s troubles began early when he crashed during a reconnaissance lap before the Australian Grand Prix, and during the Chinese event, both cars faced electrical issues that forced them to remain on standby.
Team Principal Andrea Stella commented, “Together with our partners at HPP, we will move forward as one team, both trackside and on the walk. We will learn together, make sure it doesn’t happen again, and then come back stronger for the next race in Japan.”
Now that Japan is here, how will McLaren bounce back?
Midfield battles in F1 always bring excitement, and this year seems like it will be no different. Haas currently sits fourth in the constructors’ standings thanks to young Oliver Bearman, who has secured all 17 of the team’s points so far. His consistent performances, including a seventh in Australia and fifth in China, have propelled Haas into a strong position.
Additionally, the team is flaunting a new logo this week featuring the famous Godzilla, which is bound to catch the eye.
Red Bull is currently in fifth but many expect Verstappen and the team won’t stay there for long. The Visa Cash App Racing Bulls hold sixth place, with rookie Arvid Lindblad earning points in Australia and Liam Lawson giving a solid performance in Shanghai. This team is also debuting a memorable livery inspired by Japanese car culture.
Seventh place goes to Alpine, which has surprised many this season. They were hopeful about refocusing towards the 2026 season with the new regulations and a switch to Mercedes engines, and it seems that plan is yielding results. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto both made points in China, indicating early signs of promise.
Can Ferrari catch up with Mercedes?
Mercedes has dominated every competitive session so far this season. George Russell clinched pole and won the Australian Grand Prix, then repeated this feat in China. Kimi Antonelli made headlines too, becoming the youngest pole sitter in F1 history and winning the race, showcasing the might of the Mercedes lineup.
They currently lead the constructors’ standings with 98 points, and although it was somewhat expected, the gap between Mercedes and Ferrari isn’t as wide as some might think. Charles Leclerc secured a third place in Australia, while Lewis Hamilton brought home a third for Ferrari in China, sounding quite optimistic about his performance.
Hamilton reflected on his race, noting, “This year, with the way the car is right now, it’s been one of the most fun races I’ve ever had.” Though he pointed out a minor contact with Leclerc, he praised the competitive spirit between them. He expressed gratitude towards everyone at Ferrari for their support.
While Hamilton acknowledged that they still aim for better positions, he feels confident about their platform for improvement. The big question remains whether Ferrari can narrow the gap with Mercedes as the season rolls on, a race that continues at the historic Suzuka circuit.
What do you expect from Red Bull?
The rough starts for teams like Williams and Aston Martin might overshadow what Red Bull has faced thus far. Currently, four-time champion Max Verstappen sits eighth in the drivers’ standings, just one point behind his former teammate Pierre Gasly. Verstappen experienced a sixth place finish in Melbourne but had to retire in China due to car troubles.
After the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen shared, “Overall it was a very challenging weekend for us… we were facing similar issues from Melbourne, struggling with pace and grip.” He indicated that the team needs to analyze their performance carefully ahead of Japan.
Interestingly, Izak Hajar managed to score points for Red Bull by finishing eighth in Shanghai. However, the team finds themselves in an unusual position, sitting fifth in the constructors’ championship after transitioning to in-house power units in collaboration with Ford. There are certainly high hopes for Red Bull, especially with Verstappen expected to climb the ranks soon.
Can they turn things around in Japan this week?
Team principal Laurent Méquise commented on the difficulties they faced, especially with the packed schedule of a sprint weekend. They recognized the achievement of being on the grid in Melbourne, despite issues that arose with reliability. “But we are learning a lot from these weeks, and we expect to be more competitive in Japan,” he noted.
How will teams use their breaks?
Thanks to the decision to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid ongoing tensions, the grid faces a pause after the Japanese Grand Prix until the Miami Grand Prix.
This extended break at the season’s start, during a period of significant regulatory changes, provides an opportunity for teams to recalibrate and enhance their setups. Who will take advantage of this unexpected downtime most effectively? The answer to this could very well shape the narrative of the 2026 season and beyond.
